ACAW is a hands-on research and development workshop for architects and facade engineers to explore the use of terra cotta in high-performance facade design.
Presented by Boston Valley Terra Cotta with CMU School of Architecture and the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, the Architecture Ceramic Assemblies Worshop (ACAW) brings together professionals from the architectural industry and academia, offering participants the opportunity to explore innovative building solutions and further their understanding of architectural terra cotta for large-scale assemblies. Now in its 6th year, research and experimentation at past ACAWorkshops have culminated into real-world projects currently in development.
TEAMS
- Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners
Walter P. Moore and Associates, Inc.
- COOKFOX Architects
Buro Happold
- HOK
TriPyramid
Permasteelisa North America & Josef Gartner
- Goody Clancy
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
- Architecture Research Office (ARO)
Heintges
- Studio Gang
Walter P. Moore and Associates, inc.
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University at Buffalo
Alfred University
ABOUT ACAW
The workshop aims to encourage the use of terra cotta early in the architect’s design process. This allows for the efficient production of high-performance facade solutions. Through pre-design and prototype research and development, teams explore innovative digital tools in the production of terra cotta assemblies, the development of unitized façade systems, and how the variable materiality of terra cotta (through-body color, finish and glaze) can inform and enhance a façade’s performance.
Typically, the ACAWorkshop culminates in a weeklong event however due to Covid-19 this year’s event is to be held virtually. Teams construct system models from their prototypes and present their studies to peers in the industry.
To learn more about past workshops we encourage you to purchase the Bioclimatic Ceramic Assemblies I and II books which dive deep into the behind the scenes of ACAW. Looking for a brief synopsis of our previous workshops? Check out the News section or Past Workshops pages; Assemblies page, Team Presentations page, and Lectures page.
Presented By:
Presented By:
THE ORGANIZERS
John Krouse
President CEO, Boston Valley Terra Cotta
Omar Khan
Professor and Head, School of Architecture,
Carnegie Mellon University
Mitchell Bring
ACAWorkshop Coordinator
Andrew Pries
Pre-Construction Manager,
Boston Valley Terra Cotta
Andy Brayman
ACAWorkshop Glaze Consultant
Ceramic Artist, Matter Factory